How do I start selecting a Silan power device?

Fix the voltage class from your DC bus, size the current for the worst-case load, then choose between a silicon IGBT, a SiC MOSFET and an IPM. Finally pick discrete, module or IPM depending on how much of the power stage you want integrated. Those four decisions narrow the catalog quickly.

Silicon IGBT, SiC MOSFET or IPM: which should I choose?

Choose a silicon IGBT for economical medium-frequency, high-current conversion, a SiC MOSFET for high-frequency, high-efficiency stages, and an IPM when you want the gate drive and protection integrated for a compact drive. The decision is frequency, efficiency and integration.

Can BeiLuo help finalize my device choice?

Yes. Send your voltage, current, switching frequency and topology and we will propose a shortlist with loss, thermal resistance and stock status, then support design-in. Getting the device right saves project time.

What selection mistakes should I avoid?

The usual mistakes are oversizing current, ignoring the thermal path and choosing a package that does not fit the heatsink. Each adds cost or risk without benefit. Validate the choice on the bench before committing the BOM.

How do I set the overcurrent trip level on a Silan IPM?

The module contains the comparator, but you select the external current-sense resistor that sets the trip current. Size it so the trip level sits above the motor peak current with margin but below the module's safe limit. Verify the level with a clamped current probe during bring-up.

What control supply does a Silan IPM need?

A Silan IPM uses a single 15 V control supply and accepts a 3.3 V or 5 V input signal, so it connects directly to common microcontrollers. Keep the control supply clean and place its decoupling close to the module. The bootstrap monitoring protects the module if a supply sags.

What protection does a Silan IPM include?

The module integrates overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown and bootstrap supply monitoring, and it reports a fault so the controller can shut down safely. You still design the DC-link and the thermal path. Respect the protection thresholds so they stay in reserve.

How should I lay out the IPM on the board?

Keep the DC-link capacitor close to the module power terminals, use short sense-resistor connections, and keep the high-current loop away from the low-level control signals. The integrated drive makes the board simpler but layout still affects EMI. Request a layout review from our FAE team.

My Silan IPM trips on overcurrent at startup. Where do I start?

Check the current-sense resistor and the trip level first, then look for a short in the motor or wiring and for a control-interface problem. A trip at startup is usually a level or wiring issue rather than a thermal one. Measure the phase current with a clamped probe during the trip.

The module reports a fault but the load is light. Why?

A fault at light load often points to noise on the control supply, a marginal sense-resistor value or a poor thermal interface. Check the 15 V supply for ripple, verify the trip level and confirm the module is mounted flat with a thin interface. Noise and mounting problems look like device faults.

How do I clear a latched fault correctly?

Read the fault type, remove the cause, then clear the fault and re-enable the drive only when the load is safe. Do not auto-restart quickly, because a persistent fault will trip again and may damage the hardware. Log the fault type to speed future diagnosis.

The module gets hot before it trips. Is that normal?

The thermal-shutdown protection is a last line of defence, not a normal operating condition. If case temperature is high at rated load, improve the heatsink and interface so the protection stays in reserve. Request a thermal review for your design.

What is the standout feature of Silan SiC MOSFETs?

They combine very low on-resistance, down to 13.5 milliohm at 1200 V, with a four-lead package that removes source inductance from the gate loop. That makes the fast switching manageable and raises efficiency in high-frequency converters. The main design care point is gate-loop layout.

Why does the four-lead package matter?

SiC switches fast, so source inductance in the gate loop causes ringing and slows the transition. A four-lead Kelvin-source package removes that inductance, which lets you switch faster with cleaner waveforms and less overshoot. It is one of the biggest practical improvements for SiC designs.

How should I size cooling for a SiC MOSFET?

Use the on-resistance hot value at your junction temperature to estimate conduction loss, add switching loss, and verify the thermal path from junction to ambient. Do not size cooling from the 25 C figure. Our FAE team can run the loss estimate for you.

Can I get samples to evaluate?

Yes. We provide samples of the 1200 V SiC MOSFETs for your own efficiency and thermal testing, with documentation included and FAE support during bring-up. Request a sample and we will confirm stock and lead time.

Technical Support | Silan Expertise | BeiLuo

Guides, application notes, troubleshooting and reviews from BeiLuo's FAE team covering Silan IGBT discretes, IGBT modules, SiC MOSFETs, IPM and power modules.

Guides 1 Application Notes 1 Troubleshooting 1 Reviews 1

How to Select a Silan IGBT, SiC MOSFET or IPM

2026-07-24 - Guides - By Zhang Wei

Compare Silan IGBT discretes, IGBT modules, SiC MOSFETs and IPM intelligent power modules by voltage class, current and topology to choose the right device for your design.

Read guide

Silan IPM Application Notes: Protection and the Control Interface

2026-07-17 - Application Notes - By Zhang Wei

Control supply, sense-resistor and protection guidance for designing compact appliance and pump drives around Silan IPM three-phase intelligent power modules.

Read guide

Troubleshooting Silan IPM Faults and the Control Interface

2026-07-07 - Troubleshooting - By Chen Hao

A systematic method for diagnosing Silan IPM fault outputs, overcurrent trips, thermal-shutdown events and bootstrap faults, with practical fixes for each.

Read guide

Silan 1200 V SiC MOSFETs: A Practical Review

2026-06-30 - Reviews - By Wang Lei

A hands-on review of Silan 1200 V SiC MOSFETs for solar, charging and industrial supplies, covering on-resistance, switching and four-lead package practice.

Read guide

Meet Our FAE Team

Zhang Wei

Senior FAE Engineer, Power Devices

IGBTSiC MOSFETIPM

Author profile

Chen Hao

FAE Engineer, IPM and Protection

IPMProtectionMotor Drive

Author profile

Wang Lei

FAE Engineer, SiC and Applications

SiC MOSFETHigh FrequencyEMC

Author profile